Monday, July 14, 2008

2008 Hurricane Season is Upon Us (in Texas)

The 2008 hurricane season is upon us. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. I keep very close watch here in Texas of any storms that form in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. I still have the window coverings ready in case we are instructed to evacuate. I doubt the winds and water could get to me where I live, but I am prepared, none the less.

The 2008 hurricane names are as follows:
Arthur
Bertha
Cristobal
Dolly
Edouard
Fay
Gustav
Hanna
Ike
Josephine
Kyle
Laura
Marco
Nana
Omar
Paloma
Rene
Sally
Teddy
Vicky
Wilfred

We have already had three named storms this season. Here is a recap:
Arthur (Tropical Storm)
Born: May 31, 2008 2:00 PM EDT
Tropical storm Alma crossed over Central America into the warm waters of the Caribbean and strengthened into tropical storm Arthur, the first named storm of the Atlantic season. It officially formed near the coast of Belize and dumped heavy rain on Central America and southern Mexico.
Died: May 31, 2008 8:28 PM EST (estimated)

Bertha (Topical Storm)
Born: July 10, 2008 2:00 PM EDT
Bertha moved towards the northwest before changing direction, heading toward Bermuda. It is currenty listed as a Category 3 storm. It does not look like it will hit the United States.

Cristobal (Forming?)
We could soon be looking at a new tropical depression with the potential to strengthen into a tropical storm. The disturbance is about 1200 miles east of the Lesser Antilles. The National Hurricane Center says conditions are favorable for development. The system could become a tropical depression any time during the next day or two as it moves to the west-northwest at 15 mph.

I will stay abreast of these storms. It is interesting to see how they form and where they go. Be advised: if they get anywhere close to the Texas coast with any intensity, I will be thinking about heading north.

"They whirled past the dark trees, as feathers would be swept before a hurricane. Houses, gates, churches, hay-stacks, objects of every kind they shot by, with a velocity and noise like roaring waters suddenly let loose. Still the noise of pursuit grew louder, and still my uncle could hear the young lady wildly screaming, "Faster! Faster!"" - Charles Dickens

4 comments:

The Vegas Art Guy said...

You and me both. My mom lives in Jacksonville Fl and I have relatives in Austin and Houston so I spend lots of time watching the weather channel.

Texas Truth said...

The Vegas Art Guy: Some of my friends think I am crazy to keep up with these things, but I think it is a smart thing to do. I guess it is the "Be Prepared" ideals that were instilled in me when I was in the Boy Scouts. It could also be the fact that I am an "Army Brat" and being thatm it that me what to do to make sure my loved ones and I are taken care of in an emergency. In any case...I will keep watching skies, the Weather channel, and the National Weather Service.

The Vegas Art Guy said...

Only a fool ignores foul weather...

Texas Truth said...

The Vegas Art Guy: Remember the story of the tortoise and the hare?